A cleanser is the second step of cleansing (after the cleansing oil), or the only one if you do not wear sunscreen or make-up. Its task is to remove residue and impurities gently, without disturbing the protective barrier. We have gathered seven popular options (five Korean and two Western) and set out which suits whom. How the cleansing step itself works is covered in a separate guide; here we compare the products alone.
In brief: for oily and combination skin — COSRX Low pH or Round Lab (gel textures that preserve the skin's pH). For dry skin — Beauty of Joseon Green Plum or Anua (mild, non-tightening). For sensitive and reactive skin — La Roche-Posay Toleriane (fragrance-free, very gentle). When the barrier needs support — CeraVe with ceramides. The guiding principle: after cleansing the skin should feel clean, but not tight.
01How to read this comparison
Three points of reference: skin type (foaming gels for oily skin; mild, creamy formulas for dry and sensitive), a gentle pH (around 5–5.5, close to the skin's own — less risk of over-drying) and the presence of fragrance (reactive skin does better without it). All seven are effective and gentle; there is no single best for everyone. Below is a look at each: who it is for, what it is known for, and a short conclusion.
02The Korean options — five of them
COSRX Low pH Good Morning. One of the best-known low-pH gel cleansers — it cleanses without disturbing the skin's natural balance and without any feeling of tightness. It suits oily and combination skin well and works nicely as a morning wash. Affordable, with a great deal of positive feedback.
Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing. A mild cleanser built on green plum extract: it cleanses deeply but without over-drying. It suits dry and normal skin, and anyone who values a comfortable feel after washing.
Anua Hydrating Gentle Foaming. A foaming cleanser with a focus on hydration: it cleanses gently, leaving the skin smooth and not tight. A good choice for dry and sensitive skin that needs a delicate touch. A soft texture and a light scent.
Round Lab 1025 Dokdo. A mild gel cleanser built on mineral-rich sea water, which cleanses and hydrates at once. It suits most skin types, including skin that tends towards sensitivity. It is often noted as an affordable option with a good balance of price and quality.
ETUDE Soon Jung pH 6.5 Whip. A whipped, creamy foam at pH 6.5 (close to the skin's own), with panthenol, madecassoside (centella) and green tea, and free of fragrance. One of the best-known cleansers for sensitive, dry and irritated skin — it cleanses gently without disturbing the barrier. From our editorial team's own experience: a very gentle foam, suited to both morning and evening cleansing.
03The Western options — two of them
CeraVe Hydrating (USA). A creamy, non-foaming, fragrance-free cleanser with three types of ceramide, hyaluronic acid and cholesterol — it restores the protective barrier as you wash. The best choice for dry skin and a damaged barrier. Dermatologist-recommended and budget-friendly.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane (France). A very mild, fragrance-free cleanser built on thermal water, with a ceramide and niacinamide. It is designed for sensitive and reactive skin: it does not provoke irritation or redness, and suits those using actives (acids, retinoids).
- Choosing a cleanser that leaves the skin squeaky. A feeling of tightness is not cleanliness but a sign of a disturbed barrier. A good cleanser cleans without it.
- Reaching for a foaming formula on dry skin. Dry and sensitive skin is more comfortable with mild, creamy formulas (CeraVe, La Roche-Posay, Anua).
- Ignoring fragrance on reactive skin. If your skin is easily irritated, choose fragrance-free options.
- Washing too often and too vigorously. Dermatologists warn that over-washing harms the barrier. Twice a day, and after sweating, is enough.
04What to buy for your concern
Oily / combination
Dry / normal
Sensitive / reactive
Damaged barrier
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05Common questions
Which cleanser is best for oily skin?
Gel cleansers with a gentle pH — COSRX Low pH or Round Lab 1025 Dokdo. They remove excess sebum without over-drying the skin. Oily skin usually finds foaming formulas more comfortable than creamy ones.
And for dry or sensitive skin?
Mild, creamy, fragrance-free ones — CeraVe Hydrating or La Roche-Posay Toleriane; among the Korean options, Anua Hydrating or Beauty of Joseon Green Plum. They cleanse without disturbing the barrier or leaving the skin tight.
Do I need a separate cleanser if I already use a cleansing oil?
Yes — that is the second step of double cleansing: the oil removes sunscreen and make-up, the cleanser removes residue and water-soluble impurities. If you do not wear sunscreen or make-up, a single mild cleanser is often enough.
Details of formulas and positioning are drawn from openly available sources and brand pages:
This material is educational and does not replace a consultation with a dermatologist.